Saftu Dissatisfied With Proposed Labour Law Amendments

Workers affiliated to the South African Federation of Trade Unions SAFTU have expressed their dissatisfaction with proposed labour law amendments. The proposed labour law amendments include changes to the Labour Relations Act, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and the Minimum Wage Act.

SAFTU held a Workers Day rally at Beyers Naude Square in Johannesburg under the banner, Uniting to Oppose VAT Increases and Anti-Worker Law Amendments.

The union has rejected governments austerity measures and called for progressive tax reforms that shift the burden from the poor to the wealthy. SAFTU says workers are under siege amid proposed amendments to labour laws.

The union marched to the Labour Department in Johannesburg. Workers gathered at the Beyers Naude Square in the inner city and slammed attempts to erode the gains made since the dawn of democracy.

SAFTU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi painted a picture of a dire situation facing workers, saying they have been left to fend for themselves.